Derek Mayo’s journey is one of constant reinvention, where creativity and perseverance intersect. From growing up in Durham, North Carolina, to navigating the uncharted territory of Charlotte, he’s embraced the unknown like a blank canvas, painting his path with resilience and passion. Whether through automotive painting, photography, or music, Derek’s life is a testament to enduring discomfort, embracing uncertainty, and constantly pushing his boundaries.
Derek Mayo’s story starts in Durham, North Carolina, a place he fondly calls home but also a launching pad he felt the need to depart. "Durham raised me, but I needed something different," Derek explains, reflecting on his motivation to seek new experiences and challenges. That need for change propelled him to Charlotte—a leap into the unknown, a blank canvas he was eager to fill with new colors, new experiences, and new challenges.
Art was never just a hobby for Derek; it was a constant, a "homie," and at times, a “toxic relationship.” No matter how tumultuous or consuming, he could never walk away from it. “Art is everything. It’s like a family member, a wife. It’s something that you can’t get rid of,” he says. Art was in his blood, something he was always meant to be around. Whether it was painting, photography, playing the saxophone, or even dance, art had a hold on him. It was more than just an activity—it was a part of him. “Art is the thing I was born to be around and be a part of,” he asserts.
But Derek’s professional path didn’t begin in a paint studio or gallery. In fact, his entry into automotive painting came unexpectedly. “I was working a long-hour job doing cable, probably 13 hours a day, six days a week, and I got tired of it," he recalls. He knew he needed a change, and with the support of his wife, he left that job for a marketing role at an automotive company. While promising at first, the role quickly became unfulfilling. However, in that same company, Derek discovered an opportunity that would change the trajectory of his life.
“I kind of finessed my way into learning about the other side of the company,” Derek says with a laugh, describing how he transitioned from sticking descriptions on car windshields to learning the art of painting cars. It wasn’t an easy transition, but he embraced the challenge. “It was a big challenge trying to figure out where I fit in with the career,” he admits. But Derek wasn’t afraid of hard work. He committed himself to mastering the craft, learning to control every detail—from the flow of the paint to the balance of the colors. Over time, his skill grew, and he found his rhythm, not just as an automotive painter but as an artist.
Moving to Charlotte was a pivotal decision. "Leaving home and being uncomfortable was hard," Derek reflects. But he embraced the discomfort, seeing it as a necessary part of his growth. "Sometimes you put yourself in situations where you have no choice but to keep going," he says. This mindset, of diving into the unknown, has been a recurring theme in Derek’s life, pushing him to rise to challenges both in art and in life.
In the world of automotive painting, Derek has faced many challenges, including being one of the few Black painters at his level. "I gotta be better than everybody else," he says. This has been a motivating force for him to continue improving, pushing boundaries, and setting himself apart in a field that often overlooks diversity.
For Derek, the act of painting—whether it’s a car or a canvas—represents life itself. “A blank canvas is like a newborn baby,” he says. “You mold it, you teach it, you give it life, and then it develops on its own.” This philosophy extends to how he approaches his work and life—always evolving, always creating, and always embracing the uncertainty of the future.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Derek takes pride in the life he’s built outside of his work. “I’m proud of having a wife at home that annoyingly supports the things I do,” he jokes, expressing gratitude for the strength and encouragement his wife provides. He finds fulfillment in the simple things, like walking his dog in the morning or opening his garage to see the motorcycles and cars he’s built. These tangible accomplishments are symbols of his dedication and hard work, but they also reflect the joy and passion he brings to every aspect of his life.
When asked what advice he’d give to those just starting their journey, Derek’s message is clear: “Don’t be afraid. Do what you want to do. Especially when you’re young and have energy, go as far and as fast as you can.” For Derek, life is a canvas, and he isn’t afraid to paint outside the lines, to take risks, and to create a masterpiece uniquely his own.